We’ve all been there as leaders.
It’s the land of “used to.”
“We ‘used to’ have men’s breakfasts every month.”
“We ‘used to’ have lots of young men in our group.”
“We ‘used to’ have weekly get-togethers.”
And now?
Nothing.
It’s time for a reboot.
Ministry is a lot like your favorite sports team: some years, they are winning championships; other times, they are in a “rebuilding” season.
It’s with this understanding that we must discern what season we’re in as a ministry and, if we are in a time of rebuilding, determine how we can reboot the ministry.
We must discern what season we’re in as a ministry and, if we are in a time of rebuilding, determine how we can reboot the ministry.
Here are 4 key components of a ministry reboot:
1. Lay the Foundation in Prayer
At least 2-3 people need to commit to praying specifically for this ministry and asking God, “What would You like us to do?” We must seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to best discern the next steps for the ministry. We ask God not to revive what used to be but to give us new vision and passion moving forward. Meet weekly for 4 weeks in a time of concentrated prayer and pray for the future of the ministry.
2. Discover the “Why”
The next step is to discover “Why are we doing this?” I think it’s important to note that many churches struggle with maintaining programs, but that’s not why the Church exists. According to Jesus, the Church exists to “make disciples” who make disciples (Matthew 28:16-20). Every ministry of the church must answer that question: How do we make disciples who make disciples? If all we’re doing is providing a place for people to show up and connect, I think we’re missing the point. Get back to the “why,” and this will lead you to the “how.”
3. Strategize the “How”
Just like any road trip, you need to know (a) where you are right now, (b) where you’re going next, and (c) how you’re going to get there. A strategy for ministry is exactly that. Start with the people you have and then work towards your vision bit by bit. A strategy plan should be 12-16 months at a time and should answer the questions: “What are we going to do?” “Who are we trying to reach?” “How are they going to find out about us and be invited to join?” “What’s going to happen when they show up?” It’s a classic case of putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and walking out how they interact with the ministry step by step.
4. Launch Out Into The Unknown
I’ve seen many ministries simply wait and wait for the conditions to be “just right.” Sometimes, you just have to do something. Set a realistic measure of success and try it. You may be surprised by what you discover. Work within your means and execute to the best of your ability. Create moments of engagement for the people who show up to your ministry. Think through how you connect with them while they’re there and how you will invite them back to the next thing. Start compiling a database and track attendance. As you start moving, trust that God will guide you on what to do next.
Rebooting a men’s ministry is not easy. However, if we’re called and we trust in God, we can do anything. With His help, we can take the thing that’s dying and bring it back to life.
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